NOTE: This kit requires basic soldering skills.
You can 3D print parts for a Fidget Spinner and then make it light up in a rainbow of random colors with this kit! The kit uses a centrifugal force switch to automatically turn the lights on when it's spinning, and turn them back off when not spinning. You get around 80 hours of spinning light time on a single standard button cell battery (CR2032, included in the kit).
Kit includes all the electronics, you 3D print the structures. See the Information section below for links to the STL files, source files, instructions, etc.
Video
Below is a quick video, although the video doesn't really do the effect justice because the camera frame effects make it look like the light is not steady.
Kit Description
- Kit Type: Maker Kit, you 3D prints the structures, we give you the electronics and mechanical items.
- Soldering required: Yes, this kit does require soldering.
- Skill Level: Intermediate, but only because it requires basic soldering.
- Build time: Typically 15 to 30 minutes, not including 3D print time.
Parts Included
Everything you need other than the 3d printed plastic parts are included:
- 5 x random color RGB LEDs. These LEDs contain a circuit that makes them change colors semi-randomly.
- 1 x Vorpal Rainbow Fidget PCB. This printed circuit board fits perfectly in the 3D models and makes it easy to keep the LEDs lined up straight.
- 1 x Sorensen Centrifugal Force Switch. This switch turns the lights on only when the spinner is rotating at about 2.5 to 3 revolutions per second (which is fairly slow and easy to hit).
- 1 x CR2032 low profile battery holder. Compact and easy to fit in this project.
- 1 x CR2032 button cell battery. For up to 80 hours of lighted spin-time.
- 8 inches (200mm) of bare copper wire. To make connections. This is more than enough wire.
- 6 x M3x5mm screws. To attach face plates and hold it all together.
- 1 x 608 Skate Bearing
- 1 x 2mm hex key that fits the provided screws
What's Not Included
- 3D Printed Plastic Parts. This is a "Maker" kit and we're assuming you have access to a 3D printer. Check local libraries, schools, or Maker Spaces (sometimes also called Hacker Spaces), you may have a local 3D printer you can use at low or no cost.
- Soldering iron, solder, rosin flux, wire cutters, etc. This kit requires basic soldering skills and we assume you've got all the equipment needed to solder. The soldering here is not difficult, there are no tiny SMD parts or anything, it's all basic through-hole stuff or hooking wires to battery holder leads, etc.
More Information, Instructions, and Files
- Assembly Instructions on the Vorpal Robotics Wiki
- STL Files for the Rainbow Fidget Spinner All models can be 3d printed without supports and without brims or rafts. Very easy print.
- Source 3D Models on OnShape.com. This project is open source and you may remix, hack, or mod it to your heart's content.
